Queensland Police Service (QPS) Gangs and Organised Crime Group have charged 68 people on 144 offences following Taskforce Morpheus national week of action, targeting criminal offences connected with outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs).
Taskforce Morpheus is a working group established under the Serious and Organise Crime Coordination Committee, connecting law enforcement agencies nationally and in New Zealand to provide a coordinated response to OMCGs.
The national week of action, running from July 31 to August 6, aimed to disrupt high-risk OMCG-related criminal networks in coordinated proactive enforcement. Focusing on drugs, firearms and organised crime that poses a significant threat to the safety of the community.
Detectives from QPS Gangs and Organised Crime Group have released body worn footage from four search warrants.
On Monday July 31, a search warrant was executed at a Mundoolun address, where a quantity of Hells Angels branded vests, patches and clothing were located. Inquiries are continuing in relation to other matters involving the occupant.
The same day, a search warrant was executed at an Oxenford address, where it will be alleged two bricks of cocaine were located, weighing approximately 218 grams. A further small quantity of cocaine was located, along with vials and pills of restricted medications.
A 46-year-old local man, an alleged Lone Wolf OMCG member, was charged with three counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one count of possessing anything for use in the commission of a crime (scales). He is expected to appear before Southport Magistrates Court on August 23.
On Tuesday August 1, a search warrant was executed at a Crestmead address where two unlawful rifles were located hidden underneath a pool table. It will be further alleged nunchuckas and a quantity of LSD were also located at the property.
A 45-year-old local man, alleged to be a Hells Angels OMCG associate, has been charged with possessing dangerous drugs, possessing restricted item (nunchuckas), possess category B weapon and possess drug utensil. He is expected to appear before Beenleigh Magistrates Court on August 22.
On Friday August 4, a joint search warrant with Australian Border Force was executed at a Caboolture address, where 14 unlawful firearms were located and seized, along with a large quantity of ammunition.
A 32-year-old Upper Caboolture man has been charged with 10 counts of unlawful possession of weapons and one count of secure storage of weapons, and is expected to appear before Caboolture Magistrates Court on August 29.
Organised Crime Gangs Group Detective Superintendent Troy Pukallus said each charge incrementally protects the public from the impacts of gangs and organised criminal activity.
"We continually target and combat organised crime – this week was about exerting more pressure. On a daily basis, the Queensland Police Service relentlessly disrupts and pursues gang members and associates who commit serious crimes that put our community at risk," Detective Superintendent Pukallus said.
"These 68 arrests should be a message to anyone thinking of associating with OMCGs or engaging in organised crime - you have a choice to stop and/or exit completely; otherwise expect the ongoing attention and intervention of Gangs investigators."
As part of ongoing proactive efforts to deter gang recruitment, QPS OCCG have assisted Australian Federal Police's (AFP) National Anti-Gangs Squad (NAGS) in the development of a short documentary-style video with a former Canberra-based OMCG member for the OMCG Exit Program.
Joint media release on Taskforce Morpheus national week of action.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
